Super Falcons, Sweden Shares Spoils In Thriller

The ''Group of Death'' lived up to its billing as Sweden and Nigeria shared the spoils 3-3 in a classic FIFA Women's World Cup clash at the Winnipeg Stadium on Monday night.


The highly-fancied Swedes licked their wounds as Francisca Ordega proved crucial with a late equalizer.

Super Falcons dominated the opening periods but they were let down by poor finishing on the final third.

Sweden took the lead in the 20th minute when an inswinging corner took a deflection off the chest of Desire Oparanozie and into the net, despite a last-ditch Ngozi Ebere lunge on the goalline.

Just after the half-hour mark Pia Sundhage's side doubled their lead, courtesy of another corner which, following a half-hearted clearance, was fired home by Nilla Fischer.

Shortly after the restart Nigeria edged themselves back into the game through Ngozi Okobi, who expertly dummied her marker and lashed the ball past a stationary Hedvig Lindahl.

The good work from Oparanozie was crucial as she side footed a right wing cross to the grateful Okobi.

Just three minutes later, the Super Falcons emphatically drew level when Asisat Oshoala's pace allowed her to latch onto a through ball, where she slotted home through Lindahl's legs.

Nigeria's joy was short-lived, however, because on the hour mark they were behind again following a good team move from Sweden down the left, which was capped off when Linda Sembrant bundled the ball past Precious Dede.

To their credit, Okon Edwin's charges did not give up and were rewarded when, with just three minutes to go, Sweden were split open once again as Okobi fed Ordega who was left one-on-one with Lindahl, and the Washington Spirit forward slotted home to make it 3-3.

It was a thrilling end to a game that recorded six goals much to the delight of the fans.

Okobi was voted as the MVP of the six-goal thriller by FIFA's team of technocrats.

Super Falcons Starters Vs Sweden: Precious Dede, Osinachi Ohale, Ngozi Ebere, Onome Ebi, Josephine Chukwunonye, Halimatu Ayinde, Evelyn Nwabuoku, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi, Desire Oparanozie, Asisat Oshoala

Reserves: Ibubeleye Whyte, Christy Ohiaeriaku, Blessing Edoho, Ugo Njoku, Sarah Nnodim, Martina Ohadugha, Perpetua Nkwocha, Esther Sunday, Cecilia Nku, Loveth Ayila, Courtney Dike, Iniabasi Umotong